The 31-year-old Canadian says the fact Paul Thompson will be coach next year influenced his decision to stay.

“As a club we have moved forward, the way the club is progressing on and off the ice excites me.

“We are making big steps forward from the way things were last year to this. Having Thommo back for another year is going to keep building us in the right direction.

“I love the way things are going” he said. “The staff here give me everything as a player I need to do my job and keep getting better.”

Mosienko scored five goals in two nights against division leaders Cardiff Devils last weekend, before he and his colleagues were twice shut out in the Challenge Cup.

The former AHL’s forward’s preparation and focus is renowned at the Arena and he has proved to be a genuine leader in his second term with the side. He joins Zack Fitzgerald who re-signed a month ago for the next two years. Steelers are intent on having a deeper, four-line squad for 2016-17.

* League-leading Cardiff Devils’ defeat on Thursday at Fife (3-1) means that while they have a two points advantage over Steelers - but no longer have a game in hand. Third placed Nottingham Panthers host Belfast Giants tonight, 7.30pm.